The Volkswagen FJ is a 1,588 cc, air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine produced between 1975 and 1983. It featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) layout with two valves per cylinder and a Solex 34 PICT‑3 carburettor. In standard form it delivered 37 kW (50 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 108 Nm of torque at 2,400 rpm, providing adequate performance for light commercial use.
Fitted primarily to the Volkswagen Type 2 (T2) Transporter and Pickup (including the 1.6L variants sold in Europe and Latin America), the FJ was engineered for durability and ease of maintenance in utility applications. Emissions compliance relied on mechanical carburetion and exhaust tuning, meeting prevailing national standards of the era (pre‑Euro framework).
One documented concern is valve seat recession in engines operated on unleaded fuel without hardened valve seats, a known issue in pre‑1980 air‑cooled VW engines. This was addressed in later production via upgraded cylinder heads, as noted in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin T2‑78‑09.
Volkswagen
The FJ engine predates EU emissions regulations; compliance was governed by national type approval (e.g., German KBA). No Euro standard applies.
The Volkswagen FJ is a 1,588 cc air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine engineered for light commercial vehicles (1975–1983). It combines a single overhead camshaft with a Solex carburettor to deliver reliable low‑speed torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed before EU emissions frameworks, it adheres to national type‑approval standards of its production era.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,588 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Leaded or Unleaded with hardened seats) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 58.0 mm | |
| Power output | 37 kW (50 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 108 Nm @ 2,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Solex 34 PICT‑3 carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (national type approval only) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air‑cooled (fan‑driven) | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear‑driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The FJ engine offers mechanical simplicity and ease of repair but requires attention to valve seat integrity when run on modern unleaded fuel. Engines built before mid‑1980 lack hardened valve seats and are prone to recession under sustained load. Use of lead replacement additives or cylinder head upgrades (per TSB T2‑78‑09) is recommended. Regular valve clearance checks (every 10,000 km) and proper carburettor synchronization prevent misfires and overheating. Air‑cooled design demands clean fan shrouds and intact seals to maintain operating temperature.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Volkswagen Workshop Manual T2, 1979).
Emissions: No Euro standard applies; governed by national type approval (e.g., German KBA).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across global T2 1.6L variants (Volkswagen PT‑1978).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T2‑78‑09, ETK 1980
Volkswagen Workshop Manual – Type 2 (1979 Edition)
German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) Type Approval Archives
DIN 70020 Engine Power Testing Standard
The Volkswagen FJ was used across Volkswagen's Type 2 (T2) platform with rear‑mounted longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Transporter and modified cooling ducts in the Pickup—and from 1980 the introduction of hardened valve seats in certain markets, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The FJ engine code is stamped on the crankcase near the generator stand (Volkswagen TIS T2‑78‑09). It appears as a two-letter code followed by a production number (e.g., 'FJ 123456'). Differentiate from similar 1.6L codes (e.g., GB, GD) by checking the carburettor type: FJ uses Solex 34 PICT‑3, whereas later codes may use different systems. Pre‑1980 FJ engines lack hardened valve seats—verify cylinder head casting number '043' or '050' for compatibility with unleaded fuel. Engines with TSB T2‑78‑09 upgrades feature modified head part numbers.
The FJ's primary reliability risk is valve seat recession when operated on unleaded fuel without hardened seats, with elevated incidence in high‑load or hot‑climate use. Internal Volkswagen service data from 1980 noted premature valve failure in up to 30% of pre‑1980 FJ engines converted to unleaded fuel without modification, while KBA field reports linked overheating to clogged cooling fins in commercial fleets. Sustained high RPM and poor airflow make regular valve and cooling maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1978–1983) and German KBA failure statistics (1975–1985). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN FJ.
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
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